Advice?

I just found out about dyscalculia today, and it's kind of threw my mind into a tailspin. I've always had issues with math, and it was never for a lack of trying, although I was told so through out school simply because there were some concepts in math I could understand that were beyond my grade level. I always just kind of thought I was stupid or something, because I had all these people telling me that there was no reason I shouldn't understand what was in front of me. It's hard to explain.

Anyways, I'm scared of math. I'm scared of it because while I do fine with everything else, math is the one thing that I'm, for lack of a better word, stupid with and I'm scared of the criticism and sense of failure that accompanies failing it.

Right now, I'm 22 years old, and I'm scared to death of taking any sort of testing to get into college because I know it will involve math and I know that I'll do poorly in the lower levels and end up in remedial classes for things I've already had drilled in my head over and over again and still can't do. I don't know how to really explain it but in higher levels of math - such as geometry - I do great, but in basic levels - pre-algebra even - I fail miserably. I really do want to get into college but I'm scared I may never make it through.

So, basically I guess I'm wondering... what now? Should I see about going through some kind of testing to determine if I do indeed have dyscalculia? And what about college? Is there any hope at all?

I am a firm believer in "nothing ventured, nothing gained" and "what's the worst that can happen". So, I would suggest that you check with community and other colleges and see what entrance requirement are. Also, see if there is a disabled student services office that would do testing. I think more and more colleges are realizing that not everyone can do higher math and that there are many courses of study and career choices that do not require math. Go with your strengths and see if there is help for your weak math skills. Good luck!